Ex envoy uncovers N2b plot to destabilise Alia’s administration

Ex envoy uncovers N2b plot to destabilise Alia’s administration

By Johnson Arua

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia, Dr. Terhemen Tarzoor has exposed a purportedly well-funded plot by certain politicians to destabilise the administration of Governor Hyacinth Jormem Alia of Benue state.

Speaking during a press briefing at the NUJ House Makurdi, Tarzoor described the scheme as a “well-orchestrated” plan by politicians opposed to the development agenda of Governor Alia, aimed at making Benue State ungovernable starting December 1, 2025.

According to the former diplomat, the plot involved a staggering N2billion, mobilised to fund acts designed to tarnish the Governor’s reputation and disrupt his administration. He claimed that two serving National Assembly members had been designated as spokespersons for the conspiracy.

The alleged plan, Tarzoor outlined, included "to launch a vile campaign and propaganda against the Alia led administration by raising false alarm of financial impropriety.

"To undermine the accomplishment of the state govemment's major contracts with particular reference to the Underpass Projects in Makurdi and Gboko and major road projects across the state. To lampoon the Govemor about his transparency stand."

Others include "to mobilise the youth to stage violent anti-Alia protests in Makurdi, Gboko and other towns in the state with the view to dent the popularity profile of Goverbor Alia.

"To intensify media propaganda especially on social media platforms against the Governor Alia led administration. To this end, the plotters have made contacts with key media organisations in Lagos and Abuja to continually publish falsehood against our amiable governor with the view to malign him and hopefully reduce his estimation before the public and portray him in negative light before President Bola Tinubu and the National leadership of the APC."

Other moves he said was "to send numerous petitions against key officials of the Alia led administration to the anti-graft agencies alleging corruption in the management of public resources. And to institute multiple court cases against key government officials in the Alia led administration in order to distract them from effectively discharging their official duties and responsibilities."

Describing the plot as “ignoble” and “pathetic,” Tarzoor warned that those behind the conspiracy would face the wrath of Benue citizens and be exposed to the court of public opinion.

He also addressed previous false rumours about Governor Alia’s health, dismissing claims that he was critically ill or flown overseas for medical treatment. Tarzoor reaffirmed that the Governor remains in full control of his administration and committed to delivering on his developmental agenda.

“Governor Alia is focused and will not be distracted by political shenanigans. The Almighty has always guided his mandate, and the people of Benue will continue to support his transformative leadership,” Tarzoor said.

The former diplomat expressed confidence in the Governor’s continued success and predicted overwhelming public support for both Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.